Ragweed
Latin name:
Ambrosia artemisiifolia (=
A. elatior),
A. trifida, A. maritima, A. psilostachya, A. tenuifolia
Description:
As an import from North America, the weed is found in easternmost Austria mainly along the main roads coming from Hungary. Its leaves are very similar to mugwort leaves, but the whole plant has fine, soft hairs both on the stem and on the leaves, on both sides. The colour varies from light green to greenish- magenta. The size varies, depending on the growing conditions, between a few centimeters up to over one meter. The flowers are very small, but many flowers are composed to a yellow- green upright candle of several centimeters height.
Start of the season:
The main season starts in mid August, peak days are mostly in early September. The end of the season is end of September to end of October. High pollen loads in Vienna occur with winds coming from Hungary (south-eastern directions). The worst time of the day for hayfewer-patients is late afternoon and evening.
Allergenicity:
Ragweed is known for high allergenicity.
Ragweed pollen cross react with almost all other composites, especially with mugwort pollen. Further cross reactions are known with dandelion, goldenrod, sun flower, chamomilla, and all the daisy-like flowers.
